Bit the bullet and Changed my LUKE pickups...

[kimonostereo]

I have had my Luke1 since 1996 and I'm thinking about changing the pickups to maybe an EVH just to see what kind of new tones I can get out of it. Has anyone done this and if so, any suggestions or advice?

My advice is to remove the EMG and do a comparison as far as height is concerned. The EVH franky pickup is very tall and may not fit in the Luke cavity.. Not sure about the standard EVH pickups. Next you'll need to redo all the electronics since the EMG's are active.

Also, the Luke 1 pickups are no longer being made. Be careful with them, especially the single coils.

Good luck!

 

[Craiguitar]

I agree with that advice, and of course be aware that changing the pickups is equally likely to make the guitar worse as it is make it better. One thing I noticed upon receiving my new LIII is that as awe inspiring as the Transition pickups are, they don't take anything away from the EMGs in my Luke's 1 & 2, and proves to me the EMGs can do a lot of things better than any other pickup.

 

[kimonostereo]

I agree with that advice, and of course be aware that changing the pickups is equally likely to make the guitar worse as it is make it better. One thing I noticed upon receiving my new LIII is that as awe inspiring as the Transition pickups are, they don't take anything away from the EMGs in my Luke's 1 & 2, and proves to me the EMGs can do a lot of things better than any other pickup.

Totally agree. While I like the Transition pickups, it is a very different sound and feel from the EMGs.

Just my opinion, but any original Luke 1 is close to 20 years old at this point and I'd be careful if modifying it. But then again, if it's your main guitar and you use it, might as well put something in there that makes you want to play it more.

 

[BrickGlass]

Still thinking about putting some passive pups in my koa Luke. Even though this thread is many years ago seeing it pop up made me consider putting in these Kinman pickups. Decisions, decisions. Anyone have any thoughts on these Kinman pups for the middle and neck on a Luke guitar? I'd be putting a Transition one in the bridge because I really like how those sound in the Luke III.